Be the first to comment!Gozo “changed challenges into opportunities” – Minister for Gozo
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Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana has participated in a debate about The Mediterranean Insularity: Challenges and Future during European Week of Cities and Regions at CoR in Brussels.
Along with other representatives from Mediterranean islands, Dr Caruana addressed the Committee of the Regions session which focused on the needs, challenges and opportunities for the European Regional Policy after 2020, in preparation for the 2021-2027 operational programme.
The Minister stressed on how Gozo “changed challenges into opportunities,” saying that despite the difficulties due to the double insularity, Gozo is achieving milestones, as the Gozitan economy continues to strengthen and diversify itself, while unemployment continues to decline.
Among others, the Minister for Gozo listed the need for the European Union to implement appropriate policies so regional small islands are given specific treatment, to further improve the regional framework, economic and social aspect.
In particular, the Minister for Gozo, described how the regulatory framework for state-aid should be more flexible in relation to small islands located in the periphery of the European Union.
Dr Caruana said that the Mediterranean islands have common challenges, hence it needs common and permanent solutions to turn them into new opportunities for everyone.
The Minister mentioned several projects and initiatives the Ministry for Gozo are implementing to overcome the challenges, among others environmental protection, in particular air quality, identity and cultural heritage.
She also spoke about the Government’s commitment to overcome the challenge of accessibility and for this there would be the introduction of a fourth ship, a fast ferry, Gozo tunnel and a connection by air.
At the conclusion of the session, the Minister on behalf of Gozo, together with the Balearic Islands and Corsica, signed a joint co-operation declaration on the need for more focus on the Mediterranean islands and that importance should be given to Article 174, focusing specifically on the needs and regional development of the islands.
